Nathaniel (Neight) Hoffa is a pitcher for George Mason University's baseball team, and is ranked 11th all-time with 57 appearances. While it is common for many gifted student athletes to spend their last season trying to play their way into the professional leagues, Hoffa has other plans on his mind.
A New Century College (NCC) integrative studies senior and former Mason Cornerstones student, Hoffa has applied to Mason's graduate program in hopes of becoming an elementary school teacher.
“It is every kid's dream to get drafted and I have my fingers crossed, but I would be happy seeing kids' faces every day and watching them grow as a person,” Hoffa said.
Hoffa has been playing baseball since the age of four, and during his tenure at Mason has worked on sharing his skills and talents with local youth. During winter breaks Hoffa assists his coach with running Mason's Coach Bill Brown Baseball Camps to help high school athletes develop and expand their offensive and defensive skills. While being a student athlete can seem a lot like a full time job, Hoffa has also been able to serve as a peer advisor in the Cornerstones program.
“I am here to help students learn about the campus, get involved, and build a sense of community within the classroom. I am also in their required class ... I am basically a co-instructor the course,” said Hoffa.
Hoffa says he has always been involved with extra curricular activities, even in high school. He has played baseball, golf, participated in theatre, was president of his junior class, treasurer for student government, and a member of the National Honor Society. Hoffa's friends, family, and loved ones have helped him to find the inspiration and desire to be successful and as involved as possible.
“It's a little about getting the most bang for your buck, if you pay to be here you should try to do as much as you can. Besides, it keeps me from getting bored,” Hoffa said.
Being a member of the Cornerstones program and a resident of the Living Learning Community (LLC) has had a big impact on Hoffa's ability to gain strong roots and develop a connection to Mason. Being in such close proximity to other students and professors truly fosters strong relationships. The opportunity to join Cornerstones played a big role in Hoffa's decision to come to Mason when he was also getting offers from Old Dominion University and Towson University.
“Cornerstones really let me to get to know people and those connections opened up tons of opportunities for me,” said Hoffa.
While waiting to hear about the status of his graduate school application, Hoffa will be spending this fall semester preparing for graduation, participating in Cornerstones events, and out with his team training for the spring season.
September 22, 2013
